How To Survive A Flash Flood Situation

Hi there! For today, we are going to tackle one of the possible disasters we can possibly encounter out there. Try to imagine this, you and the group are exploring a canyon when all of a sudden you noticed something is wrong. There is silence around and it was immediately followed by a violent rumbling sound. You all wonder what it is and then you see from the distance that a raging flood is about to come your way… What are going to do to come out of this situation alive? If you want to better your chances of facing a possible disaster like this, then read this article on how to survive a flash flood situation and know the things you ought to do to survive.

Fact:

A flash flood is a type of disaster that often occurs after a typhoon, storm surge, hurricanes, and other underlying causes. It is characterized by a rapid flooding of water which is a result of a violent weather and can be accompanied with ice particles, fallen debris, and dam debris due to earthquakes and landslides. Flash flood is very common in tropical regions, but it can also take place low terrain areas like rivers, canyon, and other natural catch basins we can find outdoors.

How To Survive This Type Of Disaster:

Going back into our hypothetical situation, if you see a flood is fast approaching your way you need to act fast to stay alive! Every decision you make is crucial to your survival. Therefore, you need to let your head prevail over your emotions or you’ll just end up dead meat… Here’s what you need to do to survive a flash flood disaster:

Do a quick survey

Scan the area and find the place where you can go to avoid the flood from hitting your group. If in case you and your friends cannot escape the incoming waters, find some trees and climb up as fast as you can. Get a rope, tie it around your waist and tie it into a sturdy branch to provide support so you can withstand the force of the raging torrent.

Rocks and hills are your friends

Climb up hill if you can or look for large rocks and head there immediately. Expect the flood to rise up at any moment so it really helps to position yourself at a higher ground to keep your body from being submerged and stay alive.

Control the ride

If it comes up to a point where you end up with the flow, make it a point to keep your head afloat at all times. Point your feet downwards to steer clear of any rock, trees, and fallen debris you might come into contact with. Swim, deflect, and protect your body from these things to avoid getting any injuries. According to FEMA records, one of the main causes of death during flashfloods is when a person is caught up the flow and was hit by fallen debris and other stuff that is drift by the flood. Death by drowning only comes second.

Get a grip

Fighting the flow of current is useless. So ride it out as best as you can. Get hold of some floating trees and use it to help you keep afloat. Have presence of mind to avoid any obstruction in your path.

Don’t wait to reach the end

Think quick! Try to hold on to some trees, branches, and other stuff that can help you pull out of the water. Don’t wait until you reach the end of the flow because the tendency is most of the debris will be gathered there and in turn this will make your escape more impossible to do.

Get out of the way

Once you manage of get out of the water, try to run away as far as you can. Don’t wait for another surge of flash flood to come. Go through your backpack survival kit and find some things to help mend your injuries. You were able to survive the disaster once so don’t wait to get caught the second time around.

Be rescued ASAP

Try to find a way to contact your family or relatives and seek rescue to treat any injured members of your group. Try to find a way to be dry to prevent yourself from experiencing hypothermia.

Additional Tips:

Always be mindful of the flood prone areas in the location you are heading into.

Inform your family and friends at home about your present whereabouts so they will be able to contact you if any approaching threat is coming near your vicinity. Make it a point to constantly update your loved ones and inform there about your current whereabouts as well as the recent activities you have done.

Make sure to bring your survival must haves and other important things every time you head out in the field. You don’t know what to face out there. So it’s better to be prepared than to leave everything to chance.

Encourage your friends and group members to be aware of the possible disasters you are going to face once you go and proceed to this trip. Set up a meeting before the actual travel and tackle some guidelines to keep your trip save and secure while trying to enjoy your time together.

Never lose your composure once you are facing a flash flood situation. It’s just normal to be afraid, but you should always make it a point to get your head straight immediately so you can make the right decisions to stay alive.

Conclusion:

When life’s at stake, the odds of staying alive depend on the choices you make. Learn from the things mentioned in above so you can better prepare for a possible flash flood whenever it comes your way.

Michael Martin is a former Navy Pilot who believes no matter the circumstance, one should always be prepared. Upon entering the civilian world, Michael spent his time traveling the globe and observing different cultures. Growing up in as the son of a serial entrepreneur it was only a matter of time before he took his love of the outdoors and passion for helping others to new heights by founding Bug Out Bag Pro. As a survivalist & entrepreneur, his vision is to help educate and prepare families everywhere with the information, skills and tools to survive any situation they may face!

One thought on “How To Survive A Flash Flood Situation”

This is such a scary scenario! In Pittsburgh one year a particular area in a street got a flash flood and 2 or 3 people died. No one expected it to go up an over the cars. The water completely receded in an hour or so. That is one place you never think it will happen.